CHAPTER TWO - MALFOY MANOR
A white peacock strutted atop the yew hedge; morning sunlight making its feathers almost iridescent. The only sound that echoed through the grounds was the ruffling of the creature's feathers as it expanded its fan-like tail. The bird extended its neck in something of a stretch before coming to complete stillness as it observed the rolling hills that surrounded the Manor. Silence had returned, pressing down on the house, threatening to crack its grey stone façade. The silence filled the inside of the Manor too. It snaked around the corners of the hallways, lingered in the doorways and the cupboards, it was woven into the curtains and the rugs, it seeped through the old floorboards and chilled the white tiles that stretched endlessly through the grand hall. It was heavy, like dense smoke, obscuring the features of Malfoy Manor into a blur. Despite the sole two occupants of the home being concentrated in the east wing, the silence was heaviest here. In the master's quarters fine white silk sheets laid across the bed with perfect flatness, not a crease to be straightened out, they had not been slept in for many days. In the room a pale, icy figure stood vigil at the window. She surveyed the expanding grounds with distaste. The grass that grew over the hills had grown stiff and yellow in the summer sun, and she wished for it all to burn away. She would not be satisfied until her world was cleansed of everything and everyone that would threaten what she held most dear. The silence of the Manor articulated her greatest desires loud and clear: protect, defend, destroy.
Narcissa Malfoy turned from the window and moved across the room, to the bathroom. She produced her wand from her white silk robe and drew herself a cold bath. Little ripples dimpled the surface of the water as she sunk into the large tub. Methodically, she attended to each part of her body, scrubbing, and pruning until every inch of her was perfect. Goose-pimples pricked over her translucent skin, but the cold numbed her and for that she was grateful. Returning to her robe she used her wand to gather her hair into an elegant twist. She studied her reflection in the ornate silver mirror looking for impurities. She found none.
From her closet she summoned robes of deep black velvet, embroidered in fine silk. Across the garment daffodils bloomed in intricate silver patterns and she tied the lace at either side of her waist. She removed her silver spider earrings placing them on the white marble countertop. Narcissa looked down at her hands and surveyed the ornate silver ring on her fourth finger emblazoned with the letter M. She caressed the ring thoughtfully, she almost wished to whisper to it, to promise it that she would keep their son safe. The vow fleeted about her lips which then pressed into a thin line, and she removed the ring, discarding it onto the small plate alongside the earrings. Standing imperceptibly straighter, she permitted herself one last check in the mirror before exiting her chambers.
Narcissa had moved Draco to the room beside her own the night Lucius was arrested. Neither of them had left the Manor since that evening. Draco had been exceptionally angry at first. His beautiful features distorted as he yelled. Narcissa could not look him in the eye, for she only saw Lucius' eyes, Lucius' rage. It made her angry. Her husband's incompetence had implicated them all. It stuck to them like smoke on robes. It formed iron chains that would bind Draco to the Dark Lord, imprison him as penance for his father's failures. Narcissa had known this when Lucius' Patronus glided into their bedroom on that fateful evening. At first, she had hoped the spectral cat heralded good news, success at the Department of Mysteries. Instead, Lucius' voice cried out in a desperate apology, he had failed. It was the last time she had heard her husband's voice. Despite his failure Narcissa ached for him, in her bed, at the breakfast table, in their home. She missed his voice. Since that night there had only been unending, repressive silence. It snaked around her family and constricted, and she felt its presence always, threatening to extinguish the Malfoys.
Narcissa cracked open the door leading to Draco's new chambers. Behind the polished oak a lavish bedroom of green and silver unfurled. In the centre of the room, tucked amongst the covers of the four-poster bed was her son. Narcissa moved to his bedside and eased herself gently onto the mattress. The bedside table was bare save for an emptied vial. Dreamless Sleep Draught would ensure Draco would be as rested as possible to face this day. She had ordered the elves to give him some the previous night. Her long fingers stroked through her son's silver-blonde hair and she listened to his slow, peaceful breaths. She had resolved to let him sleep for as long as the potion would allow, to keep the period between waking and when company arrived as short as possible. Draco was angry all the time, but Narcissa knew the anger at Potter and his band of Blood Traitors and Mud-bloods had transfigured over the weeks of summer into fear and anxiety over the punishment for his father's failure. Draco's hostility became the bricks he used to build the façade of Malfoy Manor. His Manor, that protected his feeble inner world, that held his hurt. She brushed her hand against his rosy cheeks feeling the warmth radiate from her son. She would burn it all down for him. But she could not do it today. Today, all she could do was to try to reinforce the façade of Malfoy Manor so that it might protect Draco a little longer. Narcissa stayed there for a little while, gazing at her son sleeping peacefully before she made her way to exit the room.
"Mippy", she called, as she entered the hall. A pop of apparition echoed as the house-elf appeared at her side.
"Yes Mistress?" Enquired the creature.
"Wake Draco in an hour, insist on breakfast, and then bring him to drawing room", Narcissa looked towards the elf, "please prepare tea for this evening's guests in the drawing room, and instruct the other elves that none are to leave the kitchen after tea is prepared. You will serve the guests tonight". Narcissa knelt so that her eyes were almost level with Mippy's.
"Mippy, no matter what happens this evening, you must not intervene, you must not come to the defence of either myself or Draco, do you understand?" There was a moment of silence as Mippy's eyes widened.
"Do you understand, Mippy?" Repeated Narcissa. The house-elf nodded slowly.
"Excellent, see to it", Narcissa said, straightening up. Her hands brushed her robes, righting any creases as she made her way down the hallway.
Green flames flashed in the fireplace as Narcissa stepped into the main hall. She flinched when a dark figure emerged from the fire. Dark curls, black lace, and wild brown eyes confronted Narcissa. A devilish grin spread across the intruder's face.
"Cissy!" Exclaimed Bellatrix.
The witch in black closed the distance between the sisters like a cat prowling for its dinner. Narcissa stiffened as Bellatrix embraced her in a tight hug. Pulling back, her hands on Narcissa's shoulders Bella surveyed her sister, her dark eyes meeting Narcissa's blue ones. Bellatrix squeezed Narcissa's arms and sighed.
"What a marvellous day for Draco!" She exclaimed.
"Indeed, it is a great honour for Draco", she agreed measuredly. Bellatrix cocked her head to the side to peer at something behind Narcissa. Removing one hand from Narcissa's shoulders, Bellatrix withdrew her wand. Extending the wand beyond Narcissa she hissed.
"Bombarda!" There was a crash, but Narcissa did not flinch. She knew behind her was the white marble bust of Lucius, now shattered against the Manor floor.
"We can't have such statues reminding the Dark Lord of those who have failed him", Bellatrix laughed, "Draco is much better off as a Black than a Malfoy, don't you agree?"
She ran her spindly fingers over the daffodils on Narcissa's robe.
"Pretty", she remarked as she stepped away.
Narcissa summoned Mippy and instructed her to clean up the mess.
The two sisters took up chairs on opposing sides of the drawing room, Narcissa sitting closer to the door. Bellatrix twirled her wand across her fingers, looking at her sister expectantly.
"Will Severus be joining us tonight?" Enquired Narcissa with feigned casualness. Bellatrix's features twisted into a frown.
"Cissy, you give yourself away", she paused, smiling, "Severus is at his beloved Hogwarts, he cannot save Draco tonight, even if he made the Unbreakable Vow". Bellatrix's hand stilled and pointed her wand at her sister.
"The Dark Lord has given Draco a valuable task, there is no higher honour", she cooed, "and I have prepared him well, you needn't have worried with Severus!" Narcissa glanced beyond her sister's curls and turned her attention to the grounds outside the window of Malfoy Manor.
She watched a peahen wander out from behind a hedge. This particular peahen had a limp. Narcissa knew it had gotten into a fight with a fox in the early summer. The mother peahen had lost two of her three peafowl in that fight. Narcissa thought for a moment that perhaps the peahen had also lost the third as the little bird was nowhere to be seen. She watched the peahen turn her head and open her beak in a call. From beneath the yellowed hedge a white, fluffy peafowl emerged, racing to its mother. The peahen greeted the chick with delighted little pecks before the two continued past the window. Narcissa turned her head to investigate her older sister's face.
"Why have you come so early?" She asked flatly, "You said before that you would not arrive until this evening."
It would not have been noticeable to anyone but Narcissa and perhaps their oldest sister Andromeda but the wildness in Bellatrix's eyes stilled for a minute, the storm becoming still, shallow water for just a moment. In a whisper Bellatrix informed her sister:
"Greyback, Gibbon and the Carrows will arrive at sundown. The Dark Lord and I will arrive shortly after. Draco will prove himself and then he will travel with me to the Lestrange Estate where I will complete his training before term resu-"
"That will be entirely unnecessary, he can complete his training here!" Narcissa said, her voice rising. Bellatrix rose from her seat, staring down at her sister, wildness creeping into her eyes.
"Gibbon and Alecto will see to the Manor and you, Cissy. It is the Dark Lord's plan."
"See to me?" Asked Narcissa in a hushed tone.
"Yes", replied Bellatrix before walking past her sister and striding out of the room towards the hall. Narcissa leapt from her chair to follow her sister. As they exited the room a distressed voice broke out.
"Mother!"
Narcissa saw Draco, her son of sixteen, coming down the hallway from their wing. He was dressed in grey sleeping robes which were still ruffled by sleep, slack at the collar, belt undone. His eyes were wide, cheeks still rosy, hair not yet tidied. Mippy was trailing behind him. Narcissa longed to embrace him, apparate him away from the Manor, whose façade she felt crumbling. As his eyes darted towards Bellatrix he stiffened and Narcissa saw her son transform in front of her. Stone by stone his face became impassive, eyes narrowing, colour fading from his cheeks. He stood upright, straightened, and tightened his robes. His jaw clenched and he painted on the scowl that Lucius usually wore when dealing with unwanted company. Draco's Manor materialised and stood imposing in the space which had just been occupied by a young boy who needed his mother's comfort.
"Aunt Bella", he began with a smirk, "I thought we were not expecting you until later". Narcissa felt her own mask slip into place, her blue eyes meeting her son's grey eyes with a knowing look for only a moment.
"Dear Draco, I am only making sure everything is ready for this evening", she took Draco's face between her hands pulling them nose to nose. Draco did not react.
"A truly wondrous privilege for the Black Family!" Bellatrix planted a kiss on Draco's lips. Draco pulled back slightly but did not break her grasp.
Bellatrix became very serious for a moment, "Tonight you show them, do not disappoint", she then laughed gleefully and strode away to the fireplace to disappear in a green flash of flames. Narcissa and Draco watched her go. After she was gone, Draco simply turned on his heel and strode away, muttering to Mippy to bring him his robes.
Narcissa spent the afternoon wandering the Manor, collecting items of special significance with the help of a house-elf. She had the items stored in one of the various secret vaults inside the Manor. Every now-and-again she would decide a valuable item must be left in place as a sacrifice. These were the costs of war; these were the costs of protecting the family. Bellatrix had been compassionate to warn her. As she journeyed to the door she paused beside Draco's temporary room. She laid her ear close against the door and could just make out quiet sobs. Pain spread through her chest, and she felt her own tears threaten to overflow. But she must not lose sight of the goal, she thought to herself. Steeling herself against the door, she pushed it open. Draco was sitting on the floor beside the bed, the curtains were drawn, the candles on the nightstand casted long shadows against the green wall.
"Draco", she commanded. He jumped to attention, impassivity falling over his features even though his eyes were glassy and his cheeks red.
"Tidy yourself and meet me in the drawing room", she stared at him but he looked away.
"You must practice what Aunt Bella has taught you", Narcissa went on, but Draco still avoided her gaze.
"Draco, look at me", his eyes snapped to hers and her arms screamed to take hold of her baby. "Your aunt may be difficult but what she has taught you is singularly important tonight. Not a ripple must be seen", Narcissa cautioned. She held out her hand to Draco.
"Your ring", she commanded flatly.
"Why?" Said Draco defensively pulling away from her.
"We will not be the esteemed house of Malfoy until you have proven yourself to the Dark Lord", she stated factually.
"Until such time, we rest on the graces of my family, until purity will out". Draco looked down at his hand, his fist clenching.
She waited with an outstretched hand. He paused and stared at her before he removed the ring.
"Control yourself", she warned, and she departed the room without another look at her son's face.
The final room she attended was her and Lucius' room. After the master's quarters were scavenged for the most valuable objects and those of most familial significance Narcissa descended to the drawing room. On this night, the summer heat did nothing to temper the coldness of the Manor. Draco was standing by the window in long black robes, hands clasped behind his back, shoulders square. As Narcissa approached him she could see his jaw was set, eyes flat, all traces of the vulnerable boy in his Slytherin themed room squashed. She came to stand beside him, and they observed the front garden together. Narcissa saw the little white peafowl cavorting around the top of the yew hedge, precariously balanced on the thin sticks, its feathers ruffling in the ebbing light of the sunset making the little fowl look white, pink, orange, and gold all at once. The peahen was not far away, its bolder, bigger body silhouetted against the dying sun. It stood slightly more on its right leg, the protector of the little fluffy chick.
"No matter what happens Draco, you are the most important, you and the Malfoy name. You must do everything asked of you to protect it, you must sacrifice anything to protect it".
He nodded.
"There is nothing more important", Narcissa said sternly.
Narcissa looked up at Draco's face. She saw the dancing sunset reflect against his pale features. He was pink, orange, golden, soft, and warm. Her son and she was his icy protector.
The shriek of the fireplace turned their attention from the peahen and her fowl. Draco's face now cast in the shadow of the drawing room.
"Shall we greet our guests, mother?" He asked. Narcissa raised her chin and her gaze drifted to the hallway.
"Yes, I suppose we shall", she replied.
Candlelight illuminated the drawing room. In the hearth a cauldron simmered, the sickly scent of the potion within, filling the room. An auburn-haired witch was engrossed in the potion making using her wand to stir the mixture, her face awash with delight and flushed from the heat. Not far from the hearth Draco was in conversation with the bald wizard, brother of the auburn-haired witch. They laughed. Across the room was an adequate spread of food as provisioned by the Manor's elves. Provisions that Greyback was indulging in with gusto. In one hand he held three different types of cakes whilst his other hand shoved glazed poultry into his gullet. Narcissa sneered at him and his lack of manners. She detested tolerating his sort in her home, but she was aware that her preferences no longer mattered. Gibbon, the older gentleman in the room, stood with Narcissa quietly. They had exchanged only pleasantries since he arrived. He had offered his condolences about Lucius' imprisonment. Narcissa thanked him and thanked him for his attendance tonight at such an important event.
But this was just the beginning for Draco, Narcissa thought coldly. He was only sixteen, Lucius had not killed until much older. Draco would be alone, with no help. Well, he would have Severus. He had made the unbreakable vow; he was required to help. But it may not be enough. If Bellatrix's suspicions were correct, Severus may very well undermine him. He had made an Unbreakable Vow, yes, but he was slippery. To have played the other side for so long he must be convincing. Narcissa's thoughts began running quickly. Could he have somehow misled the magic in the vow? She looked over to her son. He would not succeed. He would be killed; he might even be tortured. Not Draco, not her only son. Not the perfect creation of her and Lucius. She felt her knees go weak. The silence pressed down on her lungs and took her breath away. There would be no escaping this. She could feel the foundation of her Manor crumbling, the stones falling away to reveal her weakness. They tumbled around her, the walls caving in, squashing her family, they would not survive this. Narcissa flung her hand out against the table to steady herself. She tried to slow her breathing. She tried to put the stones back one by one. Out in the hall came the sound of someone arriving via Floo Powder. Narcissa's eyes flashed up and caught Draco's, his own eyes were equally wide. Forcing herself to take a breath, she turned her attention to the sounds of the hallway and slowly pulled away from the table.
The doors to the drawing room flung open as the lithe silhouette of Bellatrix prowled into the room. Her arms were flung wide, her wand in her fingertips. A few steps into the room she turned on her heel and dipped into an exaggerated bow.
"The Dark Lord", she boomed as the other occupants in the room swept into their own bows. The looming dark figure moved silently into the Malfoy Manor. His presence eclipsed the space, casting wide shadows over every other being.
"My friends", came the cold, clear voice. His dark robes trailed behind him as the Dark Lord came to stand in front of Narcissa. She kept her eyes downturned.
"Narcissa", he drawled, "rise, my dear", and she did. He took her hand in his long fingers and his snake-like eyes met hers.
"Such beautiful, pure-blood features", he said, appraising her, "truly the delight of the Black house". Narcissa could feel Bellatrix's glare. The Dark Lord surveyed the room whilst still clasping Narcissa's hand tightly.
"So pleasant to be in the Manor again", he sighed.
"We are honoured to host you here in our home, My Lord", returned Narcissa casting her eyes downward again.
"Young Malfoy", He addressed Draco as he released Narcissa's hand. She turned to watch the Dark Lord approach her son.
"Bellatrix has told me of your training. She is quite impressed. Tonight, you will join the ranks of the indomitable wizards and witches of which you come from, as is your destiny." The Dark Lord peered down at the boy.
"But first you must prove yourself", he removed his wand from within his sleeve and pointed it at Draco.
"Legilimens" He hissed. Narcissa watched as the Dark Lord combed through her son's memories. Draco gritted his teeth at the initial assault but did not buckle. His hands clenched at his sides and his eyes squeezed tight. The Dark Lord ground down on him and the air in the room grew even colder. Draco let out a small groan and that rippled through Narcissa's chest, her hands twitched to reach for him. The fire under the cauldron flickered, splashing hot colour over the two figures engaged in the match. With his wand still pointed at Draco, The Dark Lord's other hand came to grasp the boy's face. Draco cried out at the touch and his knees buckled. The Dark Lord then released him and swept back to Bellatrix.
"A valiant effort Draco, your occlumency shows promise", he turned away from the boy crumpled on the floor. Bellatrix smiled grotesquely at The Dark Lord. He studied her.
"Well done, Bella", he praised somewhat reluctantly.
"Now, we must attend to the next matter", he stared expectantly at Bellatrix. She moved with speed across the room to the cauldron while Gibbon gestured the Dark Lord to a seat in the centre of the room. Bellatrix dipped two goblets into the green ooze. She darted towards Narcissa, flanked by the auburn witch.
"Here Cissy!" She exclaimed, "this is yours" she said as she shoved the goblet into Narcissa's hand. She then flittered over to Draco where the bald wizard was helping him to his feet.
"And for you Draco, take this, come over to your mother", she thrust the goblet into his hand and led him over to Narcissa. Once they were united in the centre of the room Bellatrix began to speak in a heightened voice.
"The child is never truly severed from the mother; the cut is only superficial and tonight we rejoin Black blood". She produced a knife and before Narcissa could respond Bellatrix had grabbed her hand. The wild witch pressed the knife's edge into the delicate skin until red droplets appeared and pulled Draco's cup over to let the crimson tear fall into it. With an excited gasp she watched the mixture sizzle. She turned to Draco, who was looking pale.
"And now you!" She exclaimed. Draco held out his hand and she repeated the procedure, this time the blood falling into Narcissa's cup with a hiss. Bellatrix then stood back from the pair. Narcissa brought her eyes to Draco's.
"Now, drink!" Yelled Bellatrix with elation. Narcissa gave a tiny nod to Draco before engulfing the potion. It was hot and thick and burned the back of her throat. She could hear her sister muttering an incantation. Once they were finished Bellatrix snatched the goblets from them. Narcissa was beginning to feel dizzy, and she felt hands on her arms pulling them behind her. They tugged her away from Draco. The room seemed to darken and Voldemort's voice rang out clear and cool.
"Draco, you must realise that your father's failure disappointments me. I believe the Malfoy family to have skills more valuable than those on display in The Department of Mysteries. Of course, I have no such concerns that you will fail me, however, I'm sure you understand that I must take extra precautions. This is important work, ridding the world of filthy mud-bloods and those who would protect them, allow them to steal from us", he turned his head from Draco to Narcissa.
"It pains me to cause harm to such a perfect specimen of pure-blooded witch, but alas, you must know that failure to kill Albus Dumbledore will have consequences, and tonight you shall have a taste of them". His eyes did not leave Narcissa as he spoke.
"Bella, if you please. No permanent damage."
The pain hit her fast, she had not even heard her sister utter the curse. It burned across her body, and she felt herself drop to the floor now unsupported by Alecto. She bit her lip in an attempt to not cry out; she tasted blood. Her body was on fire. She forced her eyes open, trying to find Draco. His body was also slumped to the floor, but he was looking at her. One arm supported his weight, and the other was stretched in her direction. He was grunting.
"More Bella", the Dark Lord encouraged. A flash ripped through her like a hot knife. Narcissa banged her hands against the wooden floor. She had not thought she could feel any more pain but here it was. She whimpered.
"More!"
Narcissa heard Draco cry out before a shriek left her own lungs. Through tears she saw him grabbing at his sides, his eyes still fixed on her.
"Please stop hurting her", he begged, his head dropping to the ground in pain. The Dark Lord drifted from his seat to stand over the boy. Draco looked so small with The Dark Lord looming over him.
"Your failures will be your mother's failures, and her pain will be your pain, your disgrace will be your family's disgrace", he said. He retreated and swept from the Manor's drawing room.
"Enough Bella, come with me", he commanded, and the two shadows departed.
Narcissa felt the pain seep away from her as she heard the floo. She moved to crawl over to her son, to cradle him. But before she could someone was pulling her to her feet.
"Madam Malfoy, you are to come with us", said Alecto. Narcissa blinked away her tears and saw Gibbon and Carrow approaching Draco on the floor.
"No, I need to stay with Draco", she said shakily.
"Bellatrix will return for Draco after he has received his mark, all is well, please come this way", Alecto pushed Narcissa towards the door. Narcissa stood her ground as much as she could. Against the flame in the hearth, she could now make out Greyback holding Draco while Carrow approached him with a glowing instrument and Gibbon hovered a wand near her son's left forearm. Narcissa lunged towards her son. Her blood ran cold. She could not let them maim Draco like this. She attempted to push Alecto off her, but the auburn witch grabbed her tightly. Narcissa felt around for her wand but could not locate it. Alecto gave her a pitiful look.
"Do not do this Madame", she cautioned. Narcissa kept looking for her wand.
"Greyback, please". Alecto said expectantly. Greyback's head snapped around to Alecto. Weighing up the pair.
"Of course," he said with a grin. "No funny business", he taunted Draco before releasing him. He bounded over and grabbed Narcissa roughly, throwing the witch over his shoulder. She shuddered at his proximity. There was nothing she could do. She watched as Greyback carried her from her drawing room, watched Draco hold out his forearm as Carrow laid the hot iron against his milky skin and Gibbon spoke the incantation. She watched as her son received the Dark Mark. There was nothing she could do. Draco did not cry out, but Narcissa felt her left forearm burn.
